Investigating the impact of climate change on mental health among Libyan Arabs: a validation study of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-10, Vol.43 (40), p.31789-31801
• Main Authors: Ali, Mohamed, Jahan, Alhadi M., Enaas, Amna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Climate change; Mental health; Psychology; Social Sciences
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-024-06548-7

Anxiety, especially within the realm of eco-anxiety, has become an increasingly significant focus of research. In our exploration of eco-anxiety within the Arab Libyan population, we employed a cross-sectional approach and successfully validated the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13). Across two separate subsamples, both Exploratory ( n  = 790) [M = 21.64 (SD = 3.51), % women = 86.8] and Confirmatory Factor Analysis ( n  = 829) [M = 22.24 (SD = 3.76), % women = 84.6] confirmed the validity of HEAS-13. This scale effectively captured four distinct dimensions of eco-anxiety: affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral symptoms, and anxiety regarding one’s negative impact on the planet. Moreover, the total HEAS-13 and its dimensions had good internal consistency coefficients, ranging from 0.65 to 0.82. The findings highlight significant correlations between eco-anxiety subscales, behavioral symptoms, and rumination, indicating distinct profiles of eco-anxiety. Additionally structural equation modelling analysis revealed that eco-anxiety dimensions serve as a significant predictor of various psychological symptoms, climate change perception and climate value, emphasizing the interconnectedness between eco-anxiety and psychological distress. Furthermore, Sex-specific differences in eco-anxiety and its associations with climate change perceptions are explored, suggesting heightened awareness and involvement among females. The results emphasize eco-anxiety as a quantifiable psychological phenomenon, demonstrably measured through our 13-item eco-anxiety scale and associated with the mental health outcomes. Highlights Confirmed 4-factor structure of HEAS-13, aligning with previous studies. Significant correlations indicate distinct eco-anxiety profiles among Libyan Arabs. Eco-anxiety linked with stress, depression, and anxiety, showing interconnectedness. Sex-specific differences highlight heightened female awareness and involvement. Urges for longitudinal studies, broader representation, and tailored interventions.